Oxalis brasiliensis Lodd.
Frost-hardy, short-growing, bulbous species with leaves composed of 3, rounded and centrally-notched leaflets, somewhat purplish beneath, and magenta to rose-coloured flowers with darker throat and veins, to 2.5cm across, carried on scapes, to 15cm, each bearing up to 4 flowers. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘A native of Brazil, roots of which we received in 1829 from Mr. Warre, who collected them himself. It flowered in May 1833, and is a very pleasing plant, as indeed are most of this extensive genus. [LBC no.1962/1833]. Floral Cab. p.67/1839.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.366/1843]. Naturalised at Camden Park, forming extensive, vibrant pink patches in parts of the house garden lawns in early spring. It is probable that most of the Oxalis species grown in the gardens were obtained from Loddiges’ Nursery, a major supplier to Camden Park, before 1843. Most of them are figured in Conrad Loddiges’ Botanical Cabinet. Exceptions are Oxalis rosea, known to have arrived on the ‘Sovereign’ in 1831, and the later introductions Oxalis elegans, obtained from Veitch’s nursery, and Oxalis lupinifolia.
Notes
Given the common name Camden Oxalis by a one-time Director of the Sydney Botanic Garden in recognition of its strong association with Camden Park.
Oxalis brasiliensis is naturalised in parts of NSW and in South Australia.
Published Feb 17, 2009 - 05:10 PM | Last updated Jan 28, 2010 - 02:18 PM
Oxalis brasiliensis Lodd. | Floral Cab. p.67/1839 | RBGS
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Brazil |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Camden oxalis |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Oxalis Braziliensis |
| Confidence level | high |